Jeeyoon Kim is a professional concert pianist who has performed in venues like Carnegie Hall, the Chamber Music Society in San Francisco, and the Stradivari Society in Chicago. As an accomplished performing artist and award-winning music educator, she credits her success to key disciplines, practices, and mindsets that she lives out every day. In Whenever You're Ready, she gives readers a personal glimpse into her life, shares wisdom and insights she's gained from her experiences, and shows people how to achieve their own personal and professional success.
Structured like one of the concerts she performs, this self-help book starts with a prelude and contains five movements, each focused on a different theme, such as forming habits and boosting creativity. Each movement is followed by a quick intermission that takes readers through a mini master class to help them gain an appreciation of classical music.
Before every performance, Jeeyoon prepares herself mentally, emotionally, and physically in the green room. She knows she'll soon step onto the stage, where people have come to see what she has to offer the world. In the final moment when she's backstage and about to meet her audience, she notes that someone, with their hand on the stage door, always waits for her cue. "Whenever you're ready . . ." they tell her. She nods, they open the door, and it's time for her to perform.
This book is about helping readers prepare themselves mentally, emotionally, and physically for their own performances. Whether they are hoping to land a job, practicing for a speech, training for a marathon, or trying to accomplish a goal, Jeeyoon's book will offer them advice, encouragement, and practical exercises they can use to help them perform at their best and achieve their dreams. With warmth, honesty, and compassion, Jeeyoon speaks to readers who are in their own green rooms and invites them to live the life they hope for.
About the Author: Award-winning classical pianist Jeeyoon Kim delights audiences with a sparkling combination of sensitive artistry, broad emotional range, impeccable technique, and innovative concert experiences. A native of South Korea, Jeeyoon has inspired a dedicated and passionate fan base from around the world. As a performer, she defies convention by expanding on the traditional classical concert experience. Her 2016 debut album, 10 More Minutes, features a conversation with the audience from onstage. For her next act, Jeeyoon collaborated with New York-based visual artist Moonsub Shin to create a multimedia masterpiece, Over. Above. Beyond.
Jeeyoon began studying the piano when she was just four years old, and her love of music and the piano propelled her through her undergraduate studies in piano performance in Korea. After moving to the U.S., she graduated with distinction with a Master's Degree and a Doctorate Degree in Piano Performance, all on full scholarship from Indiana University's renowned Jacob School of Music. In pursuit of an even deeper understanding of music and wishing to refine her ability to share it with others, she earned another Master's Degree in music education, Piano Pedagogy, with a full scholarship from Butler University, where she also simultaneously served as a faculty member. As a testament to Jeeyoon's abilities as an educator, she was recognized with the Top Music Teacher Award from Steinway and Sons for three years in a row, from 2016 to 2018. Today, between performances at venues like Carnegie Hall, the Chamber Music Society in San Francisco, and the Stradivari Society in Chicago, Jeeyoon remains focused on finding new ways to connect with audiences and bring a fresh perspective to the magic of classical piano music. In 2020, she launched a fast-growing podcast dedicated to helping people of all musical tastes and backgrounds discover the beauty of classical music. Journey through Classical Piano delivers fifteen-minute episodes that feature concert-like musical experiences and in-depth explorations of classical compositions, hosted by Jeeyoon. Jeeyoon is an art activist, educator, podcaster, YouTuber, and award-winning performer who strives to connect with new audiences and help them discover the magic of classical music. During her COVID-19 quarantine, she is creating [si-úm], a project that blends classical piano with poetry and spoken word performances. She also walks daily, teaches, and performs via live streaming from her home. For more information, please visit www.jeeyoonkim.com.